Numerous theories exist as to the origin of the Longhaired Dachshund variety, each slightly different than the next with no definitive evidence as to which one is actually correct. What we do know is that as with all breeds, intentional modifications of coat type, size, temperament etc. are generally the result of necessity. These breed variations are designed to expand the breeds usability for a specific task, or in alternate climates, and terrains.

In the case of the Longhaired Dachshund, a necessity existed to create a variation of the Smooth Coated Dachshund that was able to survive and hunt successfully in the cold weather and cold water common during the winter seasons of Europe.

The three most popular theories surrounding the origin of the Longhaired Dachshund are as follows:

Smooth haired Dachshunds were bred with small longhaired spaniels such as the German Stoberhund to produce the Longhaired Dachshund

Smooth haired Dachshunds occasionally produced puppies with longer hair, and by selectively breeding these Longhaired offspring the Longhaired Dachshund was created.

Smooth haired Dachshunds were bred with the Irish Setter to produce the Longhaired Dachshund

For the Miniature, Dwarf and Rabbit Dachshunds; Standard Smooth Dachshunds were bred with toy terriers or pinschers to reduce their size. These now smaller Smooth Dachshunds were then bred with the Papillon to create the longhaired variety, and with the Miniature Schnauzer to create the the Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund. In Germany these new smaller Dachshunds were then selectively bred to achieve the desired size and classified in two seperate classes based upon the size of the hole they could enter.&nbsp;The first being the dwarf Dachshund (zwergteckel) that measures approximately 11.8 inches around its chest and the second being the rabbit Dachshund (kaninchenteckel) that measures approximately 13.8 inches around its chest.

Napoleon Bonapart owned Longhaired Dachshund named Grenouille . In the early painting titled the emperor which depicts Napoleon as a young man, his dappled Longhaired Dachshund Grenouill stands beside him.

Appearance:

The coat of a Longhaired Dachshund provides the dog with a sleek and elegant appearance. The glistening, soft, often slightly wavy hair should be longer under the neck and on forechest, the underside of the body, the ears and behind the legs. The coat should not be curly or so thick as to mask type, nor should it be long over the entire body; pronounced parting down the back or short hair on the ears would be considered faults. The tail should be carried gracefully in prolongation to the spine, with the greatest length of hair here forming a flag like appearance.

Temperament:

Longhaired Dachshunds seem to be sweetest-natured, quietest and most outwardly loving of the three coat types, with a slightly more calm reserved nature; a probable result of their spaniel heritage.

Grooming Requirements:

Longhaired Dachshunds should be combed and then brushed at least twice a week. Mats, which generally develop behind the ears and in areas where the hair is longer, need to be untangled by hand. In most cases this can be accomplished by grasping the mat in one hand while using a slicker brush to break up the mat by rapidly brushing it in the direction of hair growth. For tougher matting, it may be necessary to cut that portion of hair away from the coat.

With the Longhaired Dachshund it is important to blow-dry and brush them following a bath, instead of allowing them to air-dry. It is also imperative that any mats be removed or brushed out prior to bathing as any that remain tend to tighten upon drying.

Before brushing, use a straight comb to gently untangle small knots or tangles and remove dead hair. Once the coat has been thoroughly combed out, it is then ok to use the brush